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Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

A traditional creamy macaroni salad made with tender elbow pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy mayonnaise dressing perfect for picnics and barbecues.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Macaroni Salad
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 0.5 cup celery finely diced
  • 0.33 cup red onion finely diced
  • 0.5 cup carrots shredded
  • 0.25 cup dill pickles chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Creamy Dressing
  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente.
  2. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to cool.
  3. In a bowl whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine cooled pasta with celery, onion, carrots, and pickles.
  5. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve chilled.

Notes

Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor and texture.